Urban Waterfront: A Fusion of Art and Life

Embracing the Beauty of Water in Residential Design

Located along the Zhubei River in Taiwan, the Urban Waterfront project breaks away from traditional house design to reimagine the space as an open canvas. By removing compartments and extending the depth, the designers have significantly increased the landscape area, giving the impression of an expansive landscape painting scroll. The essence of Chinese art is embodied through the use of arcs, concentric circles, and geometric figures, symbolizing the water image and creating a unique visual experience.

One of the key challenges faced by the designers was the discontinuity in window scenery and limited space. To address this, the compartment was removed to extend the width, creating a continuous window scenery that allows for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. The television wall was also moved backward to enhance the sense of openness and spaciousness.

The interior design elements echo the surrounding landscape, with symbolic symbols representing the static and dynamic waterfront image. The structure and furniture resemble a river, with arcs representing rolling waves, overhung screens resembling waterfalls, concentric circles symbolizing ripples, and metal building materials glistening like water. These elements come together to create a captivating night scene along the waterfront.

The Urban Waterfront design encourages interaction between people and the landscape. Linear dynamic lines are strategically incorporated to connect different areas of the house, creating a sense of flow and movement. The removal of tedious galleries and standard soft decoration display modes allows for a more immersive experience, blurring the boundaries between housing and nature.

The project, which started in July 2017 and was completed in March 2018 in Taipei, Taiwan, is a result of extensive research and creative problem-solving. Overcoming the challenge of limited depth, the designers strategically moved the television wall towards the kitchen, maximizing the width and depth of the space. The use of facade arcs on structural columns further enhances the fluidity of the overall design.

The Urban Waterfront design has been recognized for its ingenuity and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate exceptional technical and creative skills, contributing to the improvement of quality of life.

With its seamless integration of art, architecture, and nature, the Urban Waterfront design by Hsi Wen Yeh and Shu Wei Lo offers a unique and captivating living experience. By embracing the beauty of water, this residential house creates a harmonious relationship between space, people, and the surrounding landscape.